Jake the Jack Russell 

Hello all, I'm Jake, a Jack Russell in my 10th Year.

I thought you might be interested to listen to my story!

When I was a puppy about 12 months old, I found myself at Grendon Kennels, I was there for a few weeks when a lady and a man come and kindly took me to their home.  At first I wasn't very friendly towards them , when they took me for walks, I screamed and snarled at other dogs, making life for my new owners very unpleasant.  Lucky for me they already owned Jack Russell's, so at east they understood the breed.  I think that much of my unruly behaviour was caused by nerves, how did I know that they were going to love me and give me such a fantastic life, as up to now things had been a bit rough.

Things started to improve the day a neighbour in the street where we lived, suggested to my lady owner that she took me to 'Oak', dog agility. Reluctantly we all went along, my owners were terrified that I would show them up and scream and fight with all the other dogs there.  Much to their surprise I really took to agility, especially the tunnels, terriers favourites.  The A frame and dog walk made me feel so tall, I could see the world standing on these.  It took a lot of patience,  time and fun, but eventually I mastered the courses, over the jumps, left and right, though the weave poles, up to the see-saw, what a buzz!  I made so many new friends, both, two and four legged. I stopped screaming and fighting, I just grew and grew in confidence.  I was now what they call socialised.  I even won a a rose bowl one year, as improver of the year.  My new owners were so proud of me, they loved me and I loved them.  What a great life I had now.

After about four years of going to 'Oak' agility, which was in those days an inside training centre, we moved to 'Barking Mad Agility Club', which is run outside in a paddock.  I was about 6 years old when we joined 'Barking Mad' I'm now in my senior years, and unfortunately had to retire from agility this summer.  I remember happily when we were let loose to run the courses, the hard work and how much we used our brains, but we were bread for working so we took it in our stride.  I believe agility has helped me stay as fit as I am, another bonus was when I got a few treats and lots of cuddles and praise when I did things right.  I know I made my owner so happy and proud.

Lots of love and patience from my new family, and being part of the dog agility world has really enhanced my life.  My owners can take me anywhere, even to local pub, and never be afraid that I will show them up.  No need to fight and scream  these day, I have every thing that a dog could wand and more. 

Thanks for listening . Woof, Woof
Jake